The CROWN Act Helps With Workplace Equality

Even though the hair is just hair, for some Black women in the workplace or even Black children at school, hair is also a reason they might be fired or expelled.

A new bill submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives, the CROWN Act, seeks to change that. Modelled after a California bill of the same name, the Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair or CROWN Act protects workers from discrimination based on hair styles and textures, such as braids, locs, twists, and knots, in workplaces and public schools. Jurisdiction for the law comes from California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and California Education Code.

My initial reaction to this development was very heartfelt to the cause. I genuinely think this law can help a lot of people fight discrimination within the workplace.

Six states, other than California, also have similar laws and protections for hair: New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, Virginia and Colorado.

The discrimination of black hair in the workplace and school environments causes distress. When you have to change your appearance for others’ benefit, it creates an environment in which it is hard to be comfortable.

The CROWN Act has truly changed the lives of those who were forced to change their hairstyle.

This act is one of hopefully many that will be put into place to proudly represent African Americans.

Photo courtesy of Joe Gatz